As the country is gliding towards the tripartite polls date (May 21), MISA Malawi, a body responsible for maintaining high standards of the journalism profession in the country, in collaboration with DW Akademie of Germany, has trained journalists on Voter Centred Elections Reporting.

Participants and facilitators at the training

11February

According to MISA Malawi’s National Director, Aubrey Chikungwa, the country’s Journalism Profession is on track but there’s still need for refresher courses to unlearn old habits and focus on new developments in the industry.

“Journalists play a crucial role in society more especially now that the country is in preparation for the tripartite elections. This training was organised to equip them with necessary skills and knowledge on how best they can handle voter centred reporting,” said Chikungwa.

One of the journalists who participated in the training, Christopher Sande of Zodiak Broadcasting Station applauded MISA Malawi for the initiative saying he has tapped some practical skills quite essential in his daily undertakings as a media practitioner.

“I return to my duty station well equipped. I can ably professionally articulate issues that affect voters. This is a timely training and resources being available, I would urge MISA Malawi to arrange further trainings to mould journalists to reach the mark of excellence in the field. There are gaps here and there and trainings of this nature really help to close them down,” said Sande.

On his part, Andreas Lange, a German Media Consultant and Head of Deutsch Welle Akadamie said the media in Malawi should strive to file stories that depict the reality on the ground and hold duty bearers accountable.

Andreas Lange, stressing a point during the training

He said, “There are real issues on the ground that often times go unreported. Journalists are a link between the people and key stakeholders in socio-economic development. If journalists won’t play their rightful roles there will be information disconnect.”

The three day training drew participants from various media houses in Southern Region.